The Belle Vue Colts are determined to bounce back from a 16-point first-leg deficit when they entertain Lakeside on Friday in leg two of their play off semi-final against the southerners.

And the team was earlier this week boosted by the news that Dan Bewley and Jack Smith would be taking their place in the home round despite a fixture clash with Championship side Glasgow.

It means the Cool Running Colts will be performing at almost full strength, bar the absence of the injured skipper Lee Payne, at the National Speedway Stadium, where they are yet to be defeated.

But reserve Luke Woodhull, who has enjoyed quite the maiden season in the National League, says his side will be taking nothing for granted as they target a spot in the 2017 Grand Final.

He said: “It was such a difficult first leg, especially with such a depleted team. But full credit to the lads, everyone dug in but we’ve still got a tough night ahead if we want to make it to the final.

“We need a big performance and having Dan, Jack and Rob [Shuttleworth] back with us is such a boost of confidence. 16 points is a lot to recover but we know we’re a powerful team at home.

“Previous results don’t count for anything in a play off situation but neither team can ignore the fact we’ve been consistently strong this year, and as far as we’re concerned it’s still all to play for.”

There’s plenty to look forward to as the season reaches its climax, with both the Premiership Aces and the National League Colts facing Knock Out Cup action in the upcoming week.

The Rentruck Aces will take on the aggregate victor between Somerset and Wolves at home on Wednesday October 11 while the Cool Running Colts clash with Mildenhall on Friday October 13.

Words: Hayley Bromley
Images: Ian Charles

A new event to our calendar, the ACU British Sidecar Speedway Championship Final graces NSS shale October 14 before the end of season celebration, “The Maugers”, on Saturday October 21.

Tickets for all upcoming events are available now at www.bellevueaces.co and at the ticket office on race night. For bookings for “The Maugers”, please contact 0161 711 0828, choosing Option 2.